What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
transcend
Example
The beauty of the painting transcends its monetary value. [transcends: verb]
Example
His music transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to people from all walks of life. [transcends: verb]
exceed
Example
The company's profits exceeded expectations this quarter. [exceeded: past tense]
Example
The athlete's performance exceeded all previous records. [exceeded: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exceed is more commonly used than transcend in everyday language. Exceed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while transcend is less common and refers to a more abstract or philosophical concept.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between transcend and exceed?
Transcend is often used in more formal or academic contexts, while exceed is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
